“Ayla should have been the son of my mate." Brun to Broud, Clan of the Cave Bear.”
Analysis of Quote from Clan of the Cave Bear
In this quote from Jean Auel's book Clan of the Cave Bear, Brun expresses his regret that Ayla, the protagonist of the story, was not born male. This statement reflects the patriarchal society in which the characters live, where the value of a child is often based on their gender. Brun's comment highlights the limitations and expectations placed on individuals based on their sex, and sets the stage for Ayla's journey of defying societal norms and expectations throughout the novel.
Modern Relevance
In Jean Auel's Clan of the Cave Bear, the character Brun expresses regret that Ayla was not born a boy, as he believes she would have been a better fit to succeed him as leader of the clan. This sentiment reflects the ongoing challenges and barriers that women face in traditionally male-dominated roles and positions in modern society.
Jean Auel's Quote from "Clan of the Cave Bear"
“Ayla should have been the son of my mate." Brun to Broud, Clan of the Cave Bear - Jean Auel.
Reflection Questions:
In this quote from Jean Auel's "Clan of the Cave Bear," Brun expresses regret that his daughter Ayla was not born a son. This sentiment reflects the strict gender roles and expectations present in his prehistoric society. Consider the following reflection questions:
- How does the concept of gender impact the characters in "Clan of the Cave Bear," especially when it comes to Ayla's role within her clan?
- How does Brun's belief that Ayla should have been a son affect their relationship and interactions throughout the story?
- In what ways does this quote shed light on the cultural norms and values of the clan in the novel?
Similar quotes
“But when did you see her, talk to me? When did you see her go into the cave? Why did you threaten to strike a spirit? You still don't understand, do you? You acknowledged her, Broud, she has beaten you. You did everything you could to her, you even cursed her. She's dead, and still she won. She was a woman, and she had more courage than you, Broud, more determination, more self-control. She was more man than you are. Ayla should have been the son of my mate.”
“But the not-very-highbrow truth of the matter was that the reading was how I got my ya-yas out.For the sake of my bookish reputation I upgraded to Tolstoy and Steinbeck before I understood them, but my dark secret was that really, I preferred the junk. The Dragonriders of Pern, Flowers in the Attic, The Clan of the Cave Bear. This stuff was like my stash of Playboys under the mattress.”
“Ayla, what am I doing wrong?" he asked, standing in front of her, dripping. "It's not you. I'm the one who's doingit wrong." "You're not doing anything wrong." "Yes I am. I've been trying all day to encourage you, but you don't understand Clan gestures.”
“Ysolde: “You think so? Well maybe your precious Aisling just needs to watch out, because I’m not some pushover, you know. I’m a mage, and mated to the baddest ass in the dragon world.” Brom looked speculatively at Baltic. “That’s you?” Baltic: “Yes. If you were my son, as you should have been, you, too, would have a badass.”
“From the earliest times the Welsh have been looked upon as an unclean people. It is thus that they have preserved their racial integrity. Their sons and daughters rarely mate with humankind except their own blood relations.”